These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

MONDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (USA only), January 4

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say,
"Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand."
He went around all of Galilee,
 teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, 
and curing every disease and illness among the people. 
(Mt 4:12-17,23-25)

This week after Epiphany we are continuing the theme of the “manifestation” of Jesus in selections from the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). Today is the beginning of Jesus’ proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom and of his healing ministry in Matthew’s gospel. In the United States today is the feast of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Many years ago, my mother and I visited the Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. I celebrated Mass on the altar over the tomb of Saint Elizabeth Ann shown in the photo.